Fire Near Community of Joe Rich Sparks Evacuation
Column of smoke visible from fire – photo submitted
Kelowna, B.C. – The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a new wildfire north of Highway 33, approximately 20 kilometres east of Kelowna and just north of the community of Joe Rich.
The fire is estimated to be 380 hectares in size and is currently being classified as out of control. Local fire department personnel are on site, and the BC Wildfire Service is responding with firefighters as well as airtanker and helicopter support.
The cause of this wildfire is currently under investigation. Fire origin and cause investigators are en route.
Structures are in the vicinity of this wildfire. The Central Okanagan Regional District has issued an evacuation order , forcing about 1,100 people from their homes. More information is available at: www.cordemergency.ca
Smoke from this wildfire is highly visible from the communities of Joe Rich and Kelowna, as well as other surrounding areas.
There is currently a closure on Highway 33 as a result of this wildfire. For more information and updates on Highway 33, please check www.drivebc.ca
Comments
I’m pretty sure the photo isn’t showing a column of smoke from hwy 33. The photo was taken from the west side of Okanagan Lake.
Yes, not from 33. My teen son took the picture just off Gordon Road in the Mission and fired off a quick email. Scarry fire it was only a couple hours old maybe 3PM. At some angles it looked like black knight mountain was erupting.
The relavance of where the picture was taken is a bit silly and impossible to say without knowing what equipment was used.
I hope everyone is safe who where near the fire. The winds were high and fairly sustained this afternoon.
There is a BC Enduro MTB race at Big White Sunday that may be affected. As well Kelowna’s own Mud Sweat and Tears race is supposed to be Saturday at Big White. With 33 closed I suspect both could be cancelled if things dont improve dramatically.
I understand PG has had precip as of late, not here. High 20 low 30 and really dry.
Thank you for the location correction for the photo.
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